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With increasing concern for our impacts on the environment, alternative sources of energy are becoming more popular. One of these energy sources that is seeing increasing attention is wood pellets. Pellets are considered by many to be a green carbon neutral energy source. But is cutting trees to make pellets causing deforestation?

It is true that trees in the forest must be cut in order to make both wood pellets and firewood. The demands for fuel wood in some parts of the world have lead to deforestation in many parts of the world. This is mostly for firewood in poor countries. When people are just trying to survive they do what they can and good forest practices are usually the last thing on their mind.

Fortunately things are different here in the industrialized world where pellets are more commonly made. Here th forest products industry has learned that healthy forests are necessary in order for them to stay in business. Not only do healthy forests provide a steady supply of wood, they also know that the public that is buying the forest products is concerned about what the suppliers are doing to the environment.

Most mature forests and large trees are much too valuable to make into pellets. These trees are more likely to be cut to make lumber and other more valuable products. It is the wastes from this process that have typically been made into pellets. Making and burning pellets has been a way to use these materials that may otherwise be wasted rot.

Now that demand is increasing to a level that exceeds the amount of lumber mill wastes available, more trees have to be cut to make the pellets. But this does not mean forests are being cleared to make the pellets. In many cases forests that are overstocked and growing too thick are thinned. Pellets are made form the excess trees. The trees that are left, usually the more healthy and better formed trees, can then grow better without the competition.

Making wood pellets may lead to forest destruction in rare cases, but in most cases it does not. When responsibly harvested, making pellets helps to fund projects that are actually beneficial to forests. If you are concerned about the impact of burning pellets, be sure and buy your pellets from sources that actually benefit forests.

Learn how to make your own wood pellets.

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How to make wood pellets for your own use or to sell.
Learn about firewood logs as another alternative and how to store firewood.
Is Making Wood Pellets Leading to Deforestation?
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